The MPs for Basildon & Billericay and Thurrock today joined colleagues from local rail operator Trenitalia c2c to support the formal launch of pay as you go with contactless ticketing across the entire c2c network.
The MP for Basildon & Billericay, Richard Holden and MP for Thurrock, Jen Craft, today visited Fenchurch Street and Tilbury Town stations respectively to support the formal launch of pay as you go with contactless ticketing across the entire c2c network.
As announced by the Department for Transport last month, c2c is one of four train operators launching this new ticketing and payment option – at a combined total of 47 National Rail stations (including 15 on the c2c network) – as part of the Government’s initiative to extend contactless ticketing to rail customers across the South East.
Speaking at today’s launch event, Rob Mullen, Managing Director at c2c, said: “Following months of rigorous behind-the-scenes technical and operational testing, I am delighted that pay as you go with contactless has now launched and is readily available across the entire c2c network.
“Contactless offers a fast and flexible way for customers to access our services and also those within the London Travelcard and wider pay as you go area, while removing the need to book online in advance or spend time queuing at ticket machines.”
Rob added: “It was great to see so many customers at Fenchurch Street station this morning using pay as you go with contactless for their daily commute, and I firmly believe that the introduction of this simple and easy to understand ticketing option will make travelling with c2c quicker, more convenient and easier than ever before.
“It really is going to be a game changer.”
Jen Craft MP (Thurrock), one of the first customers to use pay as you go with contactless at Tilbury Town station this morning, said: “I am delighted that contactless ticketing is now available across the entire c2c route, giving everyone in Thurrock quick and easy access to rail services both into London and down to Southend.
“Today’s launch is a great step towards making rail services more accessible for everyone, and the daily price capping feature for those travelling into and around London means you will automatically be charged the best value fare.
“I already use pay as you go with contactless ticketing when commuting into Westminster and find it very convenient. I’m really pleased that my constituents travelling from Tilbury Town will now be able to use the system as well.”
Joining the launch event at Fenchurch Street, Richard Holden, the MP for Basildon and Billericay, said: “The launch of pay as you go with contactless across the c2c route is a real moment. It’s great to see so many people tapping their way through and the queues reduced at the stations.
“Being able to simply tap in and out – like on the tube – for all journeys on c2c and across the wider London transport network will make travelling for business or leisure quicker and simpler than ever.”
Pay as you go with contactless is now available during both the peak and off-peak to all customers in possession of a valid contactless payment card or device (for example, mobile phone or smart watch).
In addition to the c2c network, this payment method can be used across London and the wider pay as you go with contactless area, with the best value adult fare calculated and charged for journeys made on the day and time of travel. For most people, this fare is the same as a ticket bought on the day. Customers can also benefit from Monday to Sunday price capping when travelling into and within London.
For full terms and conditions, please go to nationalrail.co.uk/contactless
